US vice president Kamala Harris hosted her first campaign rally at Georgia State University’s Convocation Center in Atlanta, aiming to energize and connect with young voters.
The event featured performances by popular artists Megan Thee Stallion and Quavo, both of whom hold considerable sway in youth culture.
Megan Thee Stallion, known for her hits like “Savage” and “Body,” delivered an electrifying set that included a pitch for Harris’s campaign.
Just before performing “Body,” she made a notable statement:
“I know my ladies in the crowd love their body. And if you want to keep loving your body, you know who to vote for,” linking her performance directly to Harris’ campaign message.
The decision to include such high-profile, youth-oriented performers was part of Harris’ strategy to engage younger voters, who are crucial for her campaign.
By featuring artists who resonate strongly with this demographic, Harris aimed to boost enthusiasm and participation among younger voters, who are often pivotal in election outcomes.
However, the event quickly sparked controversy as Megan Thee Stallion’s explicit lyrics and provocative stage presence led to a flurry of reactions on social media.
NEW: Rapper Megan Thee Stallion performs 'Savage' at VP Kamala Harris' rally in Atlanta Georgia.
The song Megan Thee Stallion is performing discusses how "any ni**a I let hit is still attached… but you know this p*ssy fat."
"I'm a savage, yeah. Classy, bougie, ratchet, yeah.… pic.twitter.com/20yqwiONXb
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) July 30, 2024
Critics argued that the explicit nature of her performance, coupled with her direct campaign pitch, was inappropriate for a political rally.
Many took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their disappointment and concern, suggesting that the use of such performers was a misstep that might undermine the seriousness of Harris’s campaign.
Just when you think she can’t get any more ridiculous… her comes the “Hoes for Harris”. Good grief.
— Juanita Broaddrick (@atensnut) July 30, 2024
Some tweets accused the campaign of prioritizing sensationalism over substantive political discourse.
There were claims that the choice of performers was an attempt to distract from policy issues and that it did not reflect the traditional seriousness expected at political events.
The backlash on X was intense, with many questioning whether the explicit content and provocative nature of the performances were in line with the decorum usually associated with political rallies.
On the flip side, supporters of Harris’ campaign defended the inclusion of Megan Thee Stallion and Quavo as a strategic move to connect with a younger audience that is often seen as disengaged from traditional political events.
They argued that the effort to make the campaign more relatable and inclusive was a bold and necessary step to energize voters who might otherwise feel disconnected from the political process.
Overall, the rally highlighted a broader debate about the role of entertainment in politics and the balance between engaging diverse audiences and maintaining political decorum.
Yes, the is the future of the Democratic Party, where they use celebrities as influencers to help you choose the way this country should go. They want Hollywood to make your choices for you. Think about that, and you wonder what's wrong with this country. 🤦♀️ @DNC @WhiteHouse
— Sweet Caroline (@SweetCa40472719) July 31, 2024
The event showcased how modern political campaigns are increasingly blending celebrity culture with political messaging, a trend that continues to spark debate about its impact on public perception and electoral success.
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